POST EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
By Mandy Clarke, Editor
The hotel and accommodation industry is still buzzing a er the NoVacancy Expo 2024, which took place at the ICC Sydney on September 18-19. This year’s event drew a record 6089 a endees, cementing NoVacancy as the APAC region’s premier platform for innovation, networking, and industry insights.
A endees were treated to the latest trends in guest experience, cu ing-edge technology, forward-thinking design, and sustainability solutions, all while exploring products from over 250 leading suppliers. More than 180 speakers
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delivered impactful sessions, addressing everything from revenue management to the future of accommodation.
Event Director Ma Gatfield captured the energy of the event, saying, “NoVacancy 2024 was a landmark for the industry. The introduction of the Future Leaders and People & Culture summits injected fresh ideas into the conversation, while the Women in Accommodation breakfast was an incredible success—bringing together women to celebrate their vital role in our sector.”
Thriving atmosphere
From the moment the doors opened, the buzz was palpable. The expo welcomed a diverse range of professionals, from senior decisionmakers to department heads, all keen to modernise operations and elevate guest satisfaction. The event wasn’t just about
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showcasing the latest products; it was about forging connections and sharing knowledge.
“The atmosphere was electric,” said James Goodwin, newly appointed CEO of Accommodation Australia (AA). “Meeting so many members and stakeholders in one space was invaluable. The discussions on AI and emerging technologies were particularly eye-opening, as they’re set to reshape how we operate.”
Exhibitors echoed the sentiment, praising NoVacancy for its unmatched networking opportunities. Bayley Baldwin, Hospitality Specialist at Temple & Webster, commented, “I’ve connected with everyone – from large hotel groups to boutique properties and holiday parks. It’s a rare opportunity to meet such a wide variety of professionals under one roof.” P08
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Unlocking personalised guest experiences
A conversation with Tony Marshall, VP & Managing Director of Agilysys APAC
Personalisation is key in an industry where guest expectations are at an all-time high. Agilysys, a leading provider of hospitality so ware, is driving this transformation with its advanced property management systems (PMS) and its innovative Single Guest Profile. This system centralises guest data, ensuring seamless service across all guest touchpoints, from booking to checkout.
Agilysys o ers a comprehensive so ware portfolio designed to enhance guest experiences and operational e ciency, positioning itself at the forefront of personalisation in the hospitality sector. At the NoVacancy Hotel and Accommodation Industry Expo 2024, Agilysys presented its 2024 APAC Hospitality Impact Study and introduced its groundbreaking Single Guest Profile to the Australian market.
To explore further, AccomNews sat down with Tony Marshall, VP & Managing Director of Agilysys APAC, who is responsible for leading the company’s growth and expansion in the Asia-Pacific market. With over 20 years of experience, Tony focuses on expanding Agilysys’ market presence, driving sales, and improving operational e ciency across the region. His leadership plays a critical role in Agilysys’ strategy to deliver personalised, tech-driven guest experiences.
Tony shared
how Agilysys innovations are reshaping the hospitality landscape:
AccomNews: Tony, what key takeaways from Agilysys’ 2024 APAC Hospitality Impact Study stand out to you?
The demand for personalised experiences is clear. Our research shows that 68 percent of APAC travellers are willing to pay more for tailored services. Personal touches,
such as sta remembering guest preferences, significantly impact guest spending. However, what surprised us most was the “rebooking paradox”: while 86 percent of guests are satisfied, only 37 percent return, highlighting a loyalty gap that hotels need to address.
How can hotels address this gap and boost revenue?
Hotels need to move from focusing on Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) to a Revenue Per Available Guest (RevPAG) approach. Our Single Guest Profile enables hotels to centralise guest information, allowing sta to o er tailored experiences, like room upgrades or spa recommendations, during check-in. This not only improves guest satisfaction but also taps into untapped revenue streams. For instance, our study showed that 73 percent of guests are willing to spend up to 30 percent more on post-booking upgrades.
How critical is technology in driving these changes?
It’s indispensable! The study revealed that 66 percent of guests would spend
more if wait times were reduced, which can be achieved through self-service kiosks and mobile checkins. Additionally, the Single Guest Profile unifies guest data, enabling personalised services throughout the guest journey, from o ering a favourite room to recommending activities based on past preferences. This creates a seamless, customised experience.
Given the clear importance of personalisation, what specific strategies should hoteliers implement to bridge this loyalty gap?
Hotels need to make personalisation central to their strategy. Small details, like remembering a guest’s room preference or o ering a welcome surprise, can have a huge impact. By utilising systems that centralise guest data, hotels can boost satisfaction, improve loyalty, and enhance profitability through the RevPAG model.
Owners and operators are shocked when they learn they are leaving up to 10 percent of potential revenue untapped by not fully engaging guests at each touchpoint. The Single Guest Profile not only centralises information but also creates opportunities to upsell services based on guest preferences from the moment of first contact.
Hotels already using this system are seeing increased revenue and positive guest feedback.
What sets Agilysys apart from its competitors?
Our key di erentiator is our full suite of 30 end-to-end products, catering to all hospitality needs. Everything we o er is developed in-house by hospitality experts, unlike others who outsource. This allows us to provide a consistent, high-quality service solely focused on the hospitality industry.
Personalisation, powered by advanced technology, is not just the future of hospitality – it’s already reshaping the guest experience. We help deliver a truly exceptional experience across the entire guest journey to drive revenue, loyalty and operational e ciencies.
Tony Marshall, VP and Managing Director, Agilysys APAC
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Focus on leadership and diversity
This year’s event also made it clear that NoVacancy is deeply invested in cultivating future talent and promoting diversity. The Future Leaders Summit provided emerging professionals with key insights into the industry's future, while the Women in Accommodation Breakfast underscored NoVacancy's commitment to celebrating female leadership. Inspirational stories were shared by women who have paved the way for change, fostering discussions on equality and inclusion within the sector. Amy Cherry, Director of Digital Media at Accor, remarked, “Knowledge-sharing is the heart of NoVacancy. These
conversations allow us to grow collectively, and this event is essential for exchanging ideas with peers and colleagues.”
Exhibitor highlights: Showcasing innovation
The show floor itself was a dynamic space where suppliers introduced game-changing solutions. AH Beard, known for its premium bedding products, delivered a standout experience at their booth. Peter Deveny, Group Commercial Manager, stated, “For us, NoVacancy is a no-brainer. We meet new customers, strengthen existing relationships, and are exposed to the heart of the industry’s decision-makers. If you’re serious about the accommodation business, this is the place to be.”
Australian Linen Supply (ALS), leader in premium, sustainable linens, also made waves with their tactile displays, giving a endees the chance to experience the quality firsthand. “Our participation was all about building relationships,” shared Helen Hurst, National Sales & Marketing Manager. “It wasn’t just about showcasing products – it was about expanding our business and reinforcing ALS’s reputation as a trusted partner in the accommodation industry.”
Looking ahead to 2025
With the overwhelming success of 2024, the NoVacancy team is already gearing up for an even more ambitious 2025 event. Planned expansions include a broader Interiors & Design space, set to feature a rich mix of new exhibitors, brands, and expert speakers. P14
Introduce your guests to the new face of hotel security and check-in convenience
In today’s fast-paced travel landscape, guests expect hotels to provide not only a secure environment but also the convenience of instant service.
One of the most innovative solutions that cater to these dual needs is the mobile room key, particularly those compatible with digital wallets. This advancement allows guests to access their rooms seamlessly, without the need for physical keys or cumbersome mobile applications.
The Evolution of Room Access
Mobile key solutions have revolutionised the hotel checkin process. With the use of smartphones, guests can now receive digital room keys through a simple link in their check-in confirmation emails. This feature enhances the guest experience by providing immediate access to their rooms without unnecessary delays. The integration of cloud-based access management so ware, such as Vostio Access Management by Vingcard, ensures that hotels remain at the forefront of security technology. This system is designed to automatically update, addressing the latest security threats while incorporating advanced keycard credential security, including MIFARE Ultralight AES. Such innovations deliver superior data encryption, providing guests with peace of mind during their stay.
Unlocking Convenience with Apple Devices
For guests using Apple devices, the mobile key feature extends to the Apple Wallet. This integration allows guests to unlock not just their rooms but also access elevators and various hotel amenities, including gyms and pools, all with their iPhones or Apple Watches. Streamlined Access: The ability to access rooms without a physical key simplifies the guest experience,
eliminating the hassle of carrying multiple items.
Express Mode: Guests can use their room keys without needing to wake or unlock their devices, enhancing convenience.
Power Reserve Feature: Even if their iPhone is low on ba ery, guests can still access their rooms for up to five hours, ensuring they are never le stranded.
Enhanced Privacy: The digital key is stored securely on the device, ensuring that the hotel has no visibility into the locations accessed by sta or guests. In the event of a lost device, the “Find My” app allows guests to lock or erase their keys remotely.
Seamless Access with Google Wallet
Similarly, Google Wallet o ers an e cient solution for Android users. Guests can easily add their
room keys to the app, ensuring that they always have access to their accommodations.
Ease of Access: With Google Wallet, lost keys become a thing of the past, as guests can tap their phones to unlock their rooms.
Privacy and Security: Google Wallet guarantees that hotel keys remain secure, with automatic deactivation upon checkout, further enhancing guest confidence.
Vingcard: A Trusted Partner in Security
Vingcard, a division of ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions, is at the forefront of providing advanced security access solutions tailored for the hospitality industry. With a global workforce of 61,000 employees, ASSA ABLOY is renowned for its commitment to innovative and sustainable technology in access management. Vingcard’s integrated solutions are designed to meet the evolving needs of hotels, ensuring that operations are not only secure but also e cient and user-friendly. Their comprehensive approach to access management includes a range of technologies that cater to various sectors, including hospitality, student accommodations, and rental properties. By focusing on enhancing security and operational e ciency, Vingcard continues to be a trusted partner for hotels looking to improve guest experiences.
As the landscape of hotel security and guest convenience continues to evolve, mobile room key solutions represent a significant leap forward. By integrating these technologies, hotels can meet the modern traveler’s expectations for both security and convenience, ensuring a seamless experience from check-in to checkout. With companies like Vingcard leading the charge, the future of hotel access management looks promising, paving the way for enhanced guest satisfaction and operational e ciency.
Room Key in Apple Wallet
With room key in Apple Wallet, give guests the convenience of accessing hotel spaces with just a tap of their iPhone or Apple Watch. No need to unlock or open any apps.
Skip the lobby
Hold the iPhone near the Vingcard lock
Open the door
Learn more about room key in Apple Wallet visit vingcard.com/apple-wallet
“We want automation”
An interesting theme that smart access provider Salto took away from NoVacancy 2024.
“We spoke to many hospitality providers, big and small,” says Tanel Paabo, Salto’s Vertical Lead for Hospitality, “and the desire to automate hotel operations was clear. This includes for new builds, as well as a great many operators looking to retrofit a guestmanagement and access solution.”
The Salto KS cloud-based solution is a favourite of small to midsize operators who are looking to completely automate their operation. Paired with Salto’s pincode locks, an accommodation provider can o er 24/7 booking, self-check in and check-out, real time visibility and remote opening features.
Salto Space is a traditional on-premise solution and designed to fit all types of hotel applications, and o ers a comprehensive hospitality interface. Salto Space can operate as a stand-
alone system or integrate into an existing PMS, room automations and includes li control for added security.
Salto’s electronic locks are retrofit friendly, even for heritage listed buildings. Wired and wire-free locks are available, with wire-free locks dramatically minimising installation time and cost. Maintenance is simple, with customisable alerts including for low ba eries.
Managing guest room access quickly, preventing lockouts and lost keys, and breezing through busy periods has never been simpler. Plus, Salto’s solutions extend beyond guest rooms to include BOH and common areas, simplifying operations for the entire team with a single credential.
Salto is a leading global access solutions provider, part of the SALTO WECOSYSTEM. Through close customer relationships and innovative solutions, Salto’s global team of experts create timeless and meaningful products that positively impact people and planet.
To find out more information please contact Tanel Paabo, Salto Hospitality Lead, t.paabo@saltosystems.com, +61 456 909 424 or visit www.saltosystems.com.au
Exceed your guests’ expectations with minimal manpower. Manage your guest experience simply and efficiently, whenever you need, with Salto’s keyless, digital access solutions. Retrofit friendly.
Contact Tanel Paabo, Salto’s Vertical Lead for Hospitality, by scanning the QR code, or get in touch below
T: +61 3 8683 9782
E: info.oceania@saltosystems.com
W: saltosystems.com.au
SiLANT and SONIFI lead the way with customised tech solutions
At the NoVacancy Hotel & Accommodation Industry Expo 2024, AccomNews spoke with Ramon Fernandez, General Manager, APAC at SiLANT, and industry partner, Todd Frankenho , Senior Director of Sales Engineering at SONIFI Solutions, about how their companies are reshaping hospitality technology.
Mr Fernandez highlighted SiLANT’s commitment to aligning technology with hospitality needs. “We ensure seamless connectivity and operational excellence, delivering personalised technology that enhances guest experiences,” he said.
Mr Frankenho , who fl ew in from the USA to proudly launch SORA, SONIFI’s new in-room entertainment platform to the Australian market,
Ramon Fernandez, General Manager, APAC, SiLANT
described its features. “SORA allows guests to cast their own content directly to the in-room TV while also giving hotels a platform to showcase their brand, upload promotional content, and highlight amenities and experiences to drive revenue.
He further explained: “This system is designed for today’s techsavvy guests, o ering at-home convenience from content casting to QR code integration. SORA not only meets guest expectations
Todd Frankenho , Senior Director, Sales Engineering, SONIFI Solutions
but also boosts hotel profi ts through targeted advertising and upselling opportunities.”
Expanding on the capabilities of SORA, Mr Frankenho highlighted its fl exibility in supporting various in-room hardware options. “The platform can also integrate hotel loyalty programs, personalised messaging, and branded content, making it a comprehensive solution for guest engagement and revenue generation” he said.
Both leaders foresee a future where technology delivers more personalised and connected experiences. Mr Frankenho noted, “Guests want the same convenience they enjoy at home, and SORA’s Cloud-managed platform provides real-time updates to keep them engaged and satisfied.”
With a shared focus on automation, connectivity, and customisation, SiLANT and SONIFI are transforming hotel operations. Mr Fernandez added, “We deliver tech solutions that benefi t both guests and sta , providing smooth experiences from check-in to check-out.”
Looking ahead, both companies are commi ed to pushing the boundaries of guest connectivity and hotel automation. Mr Frankenho concluded, “Our focus is on keeping properties ahead of the curve, delivering exceptional service through advanced, dynamic technology.”
“Next year, we’re raising the bar even higher,” said Ma Gatfield. “We’ll be showcasing up to 300 exhibitors, 500 brands, and over 200 speakers. Additionally, with the launch of NoVacancy in Asia, we’re poised to drive innovation across the region.”
Conclusion: A must-a end event for industry leaders
NoVacancy 2024 has set a new standard for industry events, delivering insights, innovation, and connections that will propel the accommodation sector forward. As the industry continues to evolve, so does NoVacancy, ensuring it remains the go-to event for those seeking to stay ahead of trends, find new solutions, and build meaningful relationships.
If this year’s event is anything to go by, NoVacancy 2025 promises to be bigger, be er, and more influential. Mark your calendars now for September 17-18 2025, and join us in shaping the future of accommodation.
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For more information, please contact Vintech Systems on 02 9472 2000, sales@vintech.com.au or visit www.vintech.com.au
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